I just found out about Sean's passing. Devastating, unexpected, hard to believe. My deepest condolences and heart goes to his parents,Elaine and John, to Marci, to kids, to everyone who lives he touched.
I remember Sean as an active, vital, optimistic, smiling, good looking, energetic young man, best friend, at that time, of my son Andrew...
Rest in peace, dear Sean....you will be missed.
Audrone DelMars, Toronto

John and family very sorry to hear of Sean passing... We spent quite a bit of time in the 90's doing one on one martial art training where I learned alot... Condolences to all... Sean RIP

One Saturday afternoon during the Spring of 1991, a friend of mine told me about this great guy she was dating.  His name was Sean.  On a whim, I jumped into her VW Cabriolet and drove from London to Toronto to go out with him and his friends.  In hindsight, that spontaneous decision proved to be a very good one.   That night marked the beginning of a friendship that endured for nearly three decades.  

Sean was truly one in a million, and was taken from us too soon.  How do we make sense of such a tragedy?  Of course, this is a question with no answer.   We all ask it nonetheless.   But without answers, I try, as I imagine many of you might, to manage the grief from loss by focusing on the memories that shaped the relationships of those we've loved.  

So, to celebrate Sean's life I'd like to share with you who Sean was to me and how he made a lasting impact on my life.  

Only months after that first fateful meeting 25 years ago, Sean and I started a business together ... a restaurant-jazz club-cum-nightclub, driven by Sean's creative force.  He was a dreamer.   One night, while hosting an event, Sean the Warrior appeared ... proudly, sporting a leather vest, no shirt, with tattoo and six-pack (abs) on display, donning snakeskin cowboy boots and accessorized with his wallet chained to the pocket of his acid wash jeans.  He was the definition of cool.  I envied him.  In that moment and in many future ones, I wanted to be him.  Soon thereafter I got my own tattoo, cowboy boots and wallet chain.  But he wore it better. 

Years later, early one morning, I woke up and looked outside my window ... and there was Sean, sitting upright, cross-legged on the picnic table, eyes closed, basking in the sun, and deep in meditation. 

I asked him why he didn't just knock on the door ... 
He said, "I didn't want to disturb you ... I knew you'd come outside when you were ready."   
I said, "How would you know that?"  
He said, "...because ...good things come to those who wait. You're a good guy. I wait --- good guy comes". He paused, and then said, "But come to think of it I suppose all things come to those who wait ... so maybe not just good things".  (Another pause) BUT!  Remember ... a watched pot never boils".   

We laughed. In less than a NY minute, like a Troubadour with creative artistry, he demonstrated that unique ability to effortlessly harmonize the dramatic with comedy.   

Sean was also generous.  Sort of.  He was singularly responsible for getting me a summer job working with him in University.  He told me there was an opening working on a Warner Bros. set.  Little did I know, that that translated into 18 hour days dropped in the middle of nowhere, tasked with ensuring the security of a convey of film trucks all through the night.  It was terrible.  But also great.  During those long summer nights with only crickets as the soundtrack to accompany our star gazing  ... I came to know Sean the Philosopher / Sean the Buddhist.  

Sean introduced me to new ways of thinking.  Like the concept of Yin and Yang, how opposite or seemingly contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected and interdependent ...and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate with one another.   Sean's ability to see people this way - to permeate and infuse his energy with others --- is why I think he connected so easily, so profusely, with all those he encountered.  

Over the course of the next few years, rounding out our 20s, we opened a martial arts studio together.  We spent countless weekend days teaching, and training.   He knocked me down many times but he always pulled me up. Literally and figuratively.  And despite all the fighting on the mat, off the mat, we never did.  

In our early 30s I moved to Europe and, for a time, the distance distanced us, as often happens as one lives one's life.  He married, and began raising two smart, respectful, talented, beautiful children - Parker and Dayton.   Returning stateside and reconnecting with Sean and his young family, I met Sean the Father.  He was so proud of Parker and Dayton.  He smiled with his eyes at their mere mention and they became part of almost every conversation.  

A couple of years ago, we celebrated NYE eve together and reflected on choices.  Without hesitation he spoke about Fatherhood being the best and most rewarding choice he'd ever made.   Sean the Father inspired me. 

Over the years, Sean continued to make me and everyone around him laugh.  He would call me up and share excerpts from his burgeoning stand-up comedy routine.  He was really funny!   He could laugh at himself, and the world ...at the best of times and at the worst of times.  Because he had humility.  

We spent this past Christmas Eve together which I cherish.  When I asked him how he was processing the challenges he was facing, he quoted Bruce Lee - "Empty your mind, be formless.  Shapeless - like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup ... Be water my friend.   Even then, he was not only reflecting on himself but was also advising me on how we all should strive to live.  To go with the flow'.   

This reflects the essence of Sean's character ....be it in martial arts or life  innovative, fluid, adaptable, flexible; and also pure.  Sean embodied and lived this philosophy better than anyone.  

He meant so much, to so many. 

To me, he was: 

A dreamer.  
A warrior, 
A philosopher.   
A comedian.  
A loving father.
and a caring soul.  

I am so grateful that Sean Ryan O'Donoghue came into my life 25 years ago. Like my tattoo that cannot be erased, my memories of him will remain forever etched in my mind.

Hello Everyone,

Great to see so many faces here today.
Today is a day of celebration. While I try remind myself of this, I know I'm among many heavy hearts.

For those whom I haven't met, my name is John Wood and I had the good fortune of crossing paths with Sean 28 years ago and happy to be up here and have the opportunity to share a few memories with you all today.

The first is  Sean is creative. I distinctly remember the first time meeting Sean  it was on a patio in London, Ontario, at the freshly minted Bistro - The Moritz, a chic ahead-of-its time bistro founded by Charlie Matetich, who joins today as well. Sean's condo residence, 695 Richmond was adjacent and there he was, dodging, gesturing and joking  with his partner in crime AJ Simon.

What struck me immediately was the fact that they were wearing matching belts - 1 red and 1 green. Now, trying to avoid not intently staring at their midsections to figure out this belt thing, turns out they ran a bandana belt company, selling their goods in the university campus store. Couple of budding entrepreneurs baring their brand!...very industrious pair.

Sean is protective  seeker of soulful music, a cold beer and late nights, Sean parlayed his commitment to martial arts as a means to make some after-hours money by keeping the peace at alcohol fueled UWO frequented clubs like The Ramp and The Coyote Club. With our another good friend, Radwan Elhindi, a black belt in karate in his own right, together, they kept the peace. Sean would not hesitate to step in the middle of a problem and bring calm, at risk of taking a hit.  You remember that 80s movie Roadhouse with the character called The Cooler played by Patrick Swayze..well that was Seanand I would argue Sean was a better looking version!

Sean likes to try new ways of doing things  it was not uncommon for Sean to randomly ask me to take a swing at him, grab his arm, hand or shirt while passing him in the hall of the house we shared with a fun cast of characters, infamous 943 Colborne St., in our Sophomore year. Before I knew what was happening, I couldn't move and he would say "great! ok, and now try this way.."and so it went - through his sparring engagements, university wrestling, movies and reading, he continuously honed his mash-up of: judo, grappling, wrestling and submission moves.

Sean also liked to try new things in his bedroom (ha-ha). So when all of the room mates were getting settled in, I dropped by his bedroom and I'm like "dude  where is your bed bed?" Sean gestured to 4 large pillows I though he would stack on top of each other and do the Princess and the Pea thing! But no, he quickly laid them out, one under each arm, one under each leg. This way, he could mitigate any stress on his lower back but more importantly, stay in tune with the Asian minimalist theme in his room to stay rooted to the ground, though maybe at the expense of getting a good nights sleep!

Sean was fighter  I learned that the Irish meaning of his name O'Donoghue means:Strong Warrior. This came out in spades numerous late Fri nights at UWO, I would come in the front door to find furniture pushed out, lights on and my other roommate, nationally ranked wrestler Chris English, flat out on top of Sean! Sean would rather black out than tap out, but much to his dismay, he would more often than not, get released from Chris' grip and begrudgingly admit defeat  red faced he would call it a night and ready himself for the inevitable rematch in days to come! With Chris' untimely passing years later, I imagine they have now found each for the next match and another score to settle!

Sean likes to be present and connected  the many times over the last few years when we would meet after work at pubs in Summerhill, we would discuss trials of work, life, ups and downs, he was always engaged in the conversation. All the peripheral noise never swayed his attention and I always felt he cared as he listened intently to what you had to say. During this time he would always proudly share the newest accomplishments and adventures of his 2 lovely children.

Above all, Sean was a close friend  whose memory reminds me to remind myself and others, that our life is a tenuous balancing act, where fortune can fall in or out of our favor in a moment and that we should strive to make better efforts investing in time with friends, family, those we love.

God bless you Sean (AKA_ Sean OD, OD, Mista OD. I hope our paths cross again!

Dear Elaine: so sorry to learn of Sean's passing. Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Donoghue

I am very sad to hear of Sean's passing.  My heart fills with sadness and prayers for all his family.  I went to school with Sean in the 90's at UWO and we were neighbours on the same floor at 695 Richmond in London.  We had so many fond and fun memories at University and he always made me laugh and truly was a genuine good person with a amazing sense of wit and character.  My sincere and deepest condolences.

Dear Elaine and family,
Our warmest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Mr & Mrs O'Donoghue , Marcy,Parker and Dayton .My deepest condolences to you all . I'm over seas and I couldn't  make to attend the Funeral of  my dear Brother SEAN . God Bless Him . He was very unique, special and a courageous warrior which I'm going to miss . God Bless His Soul.
 Radwan Hindi , Lebanon

Dear Elaine & John:
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your son, Sean.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bonnie & Brian Smith

I had the pleasure of meeting Sean when we worked together at the Olympic Consortium. I didn't know him well but enjoyed every interaction. Luckily, my wife and I got to know Sean better when we moved onto Glencairn and shared a block with Sean and his family. The man's passion, humour, optimism and dedication to his family were unparalleled and we talked frequently about how much we admired him. Fast forward a bit and we were saddened to hear about his cancer but amazed by his fightin spirit and again, admiring of his optimism. It's tragic to think that Sean won't be here to spread his brand of good vibes (you could never feel bad after a conversation with Sean), but it's inspiring to know that in his time (albeit far too brief), he left a positive imprint on all those he met. We consider ourselves lucky to be in that group, but ever so sad today. You are in our thoughts and our deepest sympathy goes to the entire O'Donoghue family.

Working with Sean during the Olympics was such a pleasure - Sean was a wonderful person-so darn genuine, with his wonderful winning smile and his Irish ways.  My heartfelt condolences. Anna Silgardo

Elaine and John
I was so very saddened to read of the loss of your son Sean.
With Deepest Sympathy
Mary Lester-Stricelj

Dear Elaine, John and Family; Our deepest sympathy on Sean's passing.

We were very sad to hear of Sean's passing. Although we haven't had the chance to see much of Sean over the past years, every time we ran into him he was smiling from ear-to-ear, a smile that immediately made us smile as well. A wonderful person who will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his parents, his children and Marci. 

The Centner Family
Sebastien, Sheila, Colsen and Logan

Dear Elaine, John and family, our sincere condolences and prayers goes out to you and all your loved ones. May God bless you all.

The Adams Family.

Dear Elaine and John;
Two very special people always there to help and support their family and friends without hesitation. You have gone thru many trying times in the deep valley of life but ALWAYS rising to heights and moving ever forward.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers for some comfort in Sean's legacy thru Parker and Dayton. God Bless. 
The Brailsford Family

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Donoghue,

I am so sorry for your lost. Sean was a wonderfully person and a great friend. I will miss him deeply.

God bless and prayers are with your family.

Elaine and John,
I was very sorry to hear of Sean's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 
Take care, Dale

Dear Elaine and John, our sincere condolences.

Dear Elaine & John and family, our greatest love and prayers go out to your and all of your loved ones.  God bless you all, in this difficult time. The Dinally Family.

John and Elaine, we were so saddened to hear of John s passing,our deepest sympathy to you both and all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gabe and Dee Cooke

Dear Elaine & John , 
My deepest condolences on  your loss . Sean was a great father , a great man and a great friend . I will miss him . You are in my prayers . 

Love, 
Adrian ,

Dear Elaine and family

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely

Rhonda Brownhill and family.   Winnipeg, manitoba

Dear Elaine and Family,

The news of Sean's loss is heartbreaking. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the beautiful memories of Sean and the comfort in knowing that your loss is felt by many, help you through this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, 
Daphne Kyle and all your friends at HHCC

With sincerest & deepest sympathy to all Sean's family. May he rest in peace and may the many happy memories you all shared together help & sustain you at this time.

Dear Elaine and John,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

John and Elaine,
Our deepest sympathy, on the loss of your son Sean.It's so difficult to lose a child at any age.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you ,as you navigate the next weeks and months.May he rest in peace!
Johnny and Helen Young,Ennismore

Elaine and John we were very saddened to hear of the passing of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Agnes & Andy.

Dear John and Elaine,

I knew Sean when I was a high school student at St. Joseph Morrow Park. Sean was the perrenially nice and impossibly handsome friend of mine. I have fond memories of our years at UWO together, meeting up at parties and on campus. I never heard a bad word spoken about Sean. I will keep him in my prayers always. I am so glad to have known him in my formative years. He was such a gentleman. He was at my Sweet 16 birthday party in 1984! Sweet memories. May he rest in peace. I want you to know that he only spread good feeling anywhere he went.

Sean was around for pretty much every stage of my teenage, university and adult life. He was my hero for so many reasons - not the very least for fighting like the warrior he was during his illness. But I was most proud of him when I was sitting in the audience of his second ever stand-up gig. Amazing! He was beaming - and so was I! Will miss that nutty, generous, strong and amazing friend. Tight hugs to his entire family and to all the buds that got to have a few moments of S.O.D. in their lives! Xo

Dear Elaine and John,

We were so saddend and shocked to learn that Sean had passed away from cancer.  John,Christine, Jennifer and I send our deepest sympathy to you both and family and friends.

Our thoughts are

Luckily you have beautiful grandchildren to carry Sean's memory.

Our thoughts are with you in these trying times

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I knew Sean through my cousin, Chris Caponi. Sean was always around as long as I can remember, interjecting his humor and happiness every single time I saw him. He will be missed dearly by many!  My condolences to his parents and especially his young children. May his light shine on forever!

Dear John and Elaine
Susan and I were very sad to hear of your son Sean's death.  Although neither of us knew him, we both have some understanding of how difficult it must be to lose your child. Cancer is such a terrible disease.  Our thoughts and sympathy are with both of you and your entire family.  
Sincere condolences
John and Susan LeMay

Elaine and John
Delfino  and I are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your son Sean we would like to offer our condolences.  
Del & Liz

Dear john and Elaine you do not know me but Sean and I were like brothers who both had a passion for martial arts and we train together for many years. Sean was a great person and a greater friend whose loss is tragic, my deepest and heart felt condolences to your family, respectfully yours Fernando Belfiglio.

Dear John & Elaine:

We just heard about your loss and we wanted you both to know our hearts and prayers are with you.

Our deepest sympathies go out to you.

Love Dave, Colleen, Kathleen and Jim.

Dear John and Elaine:
We are ever so sad to hear of Sean's passing.  We remember him as a beautiful, kind young man. We are thinking of you and saying a prayer for you and yours.  Sincerely, Bernie and Patricia Armstrong

OBITUARIO

Mr. Sean Ryan O'Donoghue

7 junio, 1968 – 24 marzo, 2016

Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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